Two in court for alleged kidnap

Two men have been arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court over the alleged kidnap of a middle-age man, Maxwell Obiahuoko.

Alani Saheed, 28, and Ozor Stephen, 50, were brought before Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping under Sections 409 and 269 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Prosecuting Inspector Godwin Anyanwu told the court that the accused with others at large, on June 18, between 7pm and 9pm, at Ikate, Surulere, kidnapped Obiahuoko and took him to an unknown destination.

He said they detained him Obiahuoko against his will and prevented him from reaching his family.

Anyanwu told the court that the matter was reported by Obiahuoko’s wife, Franca, when she did not see her husband for days.

Anyanwu said the woman alleged that Ozor was not happy her husband came to demand the N240, 000 given to him in 2007 to rent a house for her. She said when a peace meeting was called, Ozor threatened that he would teach her husband a lesson.

He said the woman alleged that Ozor, who has been her husband’s friend for many years, refused to pay the N240, 000, but threatened to deal with Obiahuoko and a few weeks later, he (Obiahuoko) disappeared.

Ozor, Mrs Obiahuoko claimed, did not remit the whole N240,000 to the landlord.

Obiahuoko’s wife was said to be looking for accommodation when Ozor offered to sublet his apartment since he wanted to move into his own house.

Saheed, who was said to be owing Obiahuoko N1million for equipment he bought, allegedly threatened the missing man after he attempted to collect the equipment from him.

Obiahuoko was said to have been invited by Saheed to come and collect part of his money, when he disappeared.

The accused pleaded not guilty and were granted N500, 000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum by Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya. The matter was adjourned till November 5.